God loved a girl

Thoughts from Hosea 11:
The reason Jesus came was to love a bitter, runaway bride; bitter because of her own efforts; because what she did didn't cut-it; because she wanted to be good all by herself; and spiteful because no amount of make-up could ever make an enduring beauty last on her eternal complexion. One author commented on such efforts, "we cannot do anything to qualify for the by-product of being loved unconditionally and voluntarily." Do you believe that He loved His bride even when she lives like this? Compare her with the champion of our Souls. She was gross. I was gross. How could these words of Paul be true, that the "Son of God, loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2) Are you significant? Do you matter in respect to history or geography or astronomy? Yes, God, I must be reminded. Thank You, God. Because of Your constant calling and determined pursuit I can live at peace with You and love You. Soften my heart daily with the fresh news of Your love, because I am dust and long for the constancy of being at home with You.

One of the girls who made the Coffee Oasis, and also the Frederick home, her “refuge” was shining with unquenchable brilliance today. I wish I had a better word than shining. I have heard hope compared to floating, so perhaps she was floating. Blah! Perhaps you have to see it for yourself. For the last months she has been living in the midst of spiritual darkness. Though it was not the state of her own heart, it was the place that she lived and the people that surrounded her. For several days off and on over the past months she has made our home her “vacation” spot. More of a spiritual vacation that anything else. While she desired to make God the love of her life, she started surrendering all the barriers she could name. First went smoking, then boys (she want to focus on Jesus right now), and finally her home. So today she was all life. It was an encouragement all day. She bounced around the coffee shop telling about what Jesus was doing for her. Praise God! May more people bounce like that.